Are you tired of the same old dinner options and looking for something new and exciting to serve your family tonight? Look no further than this mouth - watering Beef Stroganoff Casserole recipe. It's a dish that combines the richness of beef, the creaminess of sour cream, and the comforting texture of noodles, all baked to perfection in a single casserole dish.
To start with, let's gather the ingredients. You'll need 1 pound of lean ground beef, which is the star of the show. Lean ground beef not only provides a great source of protein but also gives the casserole a hearty and satisfying flavor. Along with the beef, you'll require 1 medium - sized onion, finely chopped. Onions add a sweet and savory base to the dish, enhancing its overall taste. Two cloves of garlic, minced, are also essential. Garlic brings a pungent and aromatic note that complements the beef beautifully.
For the vegetables, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms is a must. Mushrooms have an earthy flavor that pairs well with the beef and adds a nice texture to the casserole. You'll also need 2 cups of cooked egg noodles. Egg noodles are a classic choice for stroganoff, as they soak up the delicious sauce and hold their shape during baking. One can of condensed cream of mushroom soup is used to create a creamy and flavorful base for the casserole. The soup adds a smooth and rich consistency that ties all the ingredients together.
Half a cup of sour cream is what gives this casserole its signature tangy and creamy taste. Sour cream adds a luxurious element to the dish and balances out the flavors. A quarter - cup of grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled on top for an extra layer of flavor and a lovely golden crust when baked. And don't forget about the seasonings. Salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of dried thyme are used to season the beef and the overall mixture, enhancing the flavors and making the casserole more delicious.
Now, let's move on to the cooking process. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium - high heat. As the beef cooks, break it up into small pieces with a spatula. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. This step is important to keep the casserole from being too greasy. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté them until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 3 - 4 minutes.
Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook the mushrooms until they release their moisture and start to brown slightly. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish. Stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup, cooked egg noodles, sour cream, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Mix all the ingredients well until they are evenly combined. The soup and sour cream will create a thick and creamy sauce that coats the beef, noodles, and vegetables.
Transfer the beef and noodle mixture to a 9x13 - inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly in the dish. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of the mixture. The Parmesan cheese will melt and form a delicious crust during baking. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Once the Beef Stroganoff Casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more. You can serve this casserole as a main course on its own, or pair it with a side salad for a more balanced meal. The salad adds a fresh and crisp element to the rich and hearty casserole.
This Beef Stroganoff Casserole is not only delicious but also very versatile. You can customize it according to your family's preferences. For example, if you like a spicier dish, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture. Or, if you want to add more vegetables, you can throw in some bell peppers or spinach. It's also a great make - ahead meal. You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake and serve it.
In conclusion, this Beef Stroganoff Casserole is a perfect dinner option for busy weeknights or special occasions. It's easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, why not give this recipe a try tonight and create a warm, delicious, and flavorful dish that everyone will love?